3.6.10

25-26 week baby update...

Ever since school ended for the summer and work has ceased, my days and time have been very confused!

Alas, I am again late on my baby update, but that's okay, because now you get a 2-for-1 deal!!! :)

Tomorrow I am 26 weeks pregnant!

Here's my most recent belly shot:

Right now, baby boy is the size of an eggplant!

This week and next, baby boy is getting some pudge on him. He's starting to exchange the lean beef look for a pound and a half of chunky-ness! :) The wrinkly skin will start to smooth out also, making him look more like a newborn! He is also growing more hair on the top of his head, and if I could see him, I'd be able to discern what color and texture of hair he has (hmm...wonder what it will be?).

The network of nerves in baby boy's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear not only my voice, but DH's too! He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat.

Finally, his boy parts are changing too! The testicles are beginning to descend to where they are supposed to be - a trip that will take a couple of days! :)

I cannot wait to see my little man on the 4D Ultrasound next week! I am so excited.

So, how am I doing?

I've been feeling pretty good. Lately, I've been tired alot and some days, a bit shaky or light-headed. I've been lying down with my feet up a bunch. Also, to make sure it's not blood sugar or dehydration, I've been drinking gobs of water and juice!

Not really craving anything in particular these days. Coke hasn't really tempted me in awhile, and burgers are still good. But I don't have to have burgers now.

My sweet one has been kicking a ton still! He likes to kick at certain times, so I'm starting to figure out a pattern. It's definitely at night the most. And in the morning. And in mid-afternoon. He's kicking right now! :) I want him to kick lots and lots because its very reassuring that everything is fine.

I've started to get more nervous about the birth. I'm working on a birth plan, and I decided to get a doula. However, this doula is one I didn't hire. It's my sister! I know she is going to make sure nobody does anything to her "big sisser" that they're aren't supposed to do, or to her little nephew! I feel very at ease about having her there. And the only other person will be DH of course. :)

The thing I am most nervous about is the fear of not being able to give birth naturally or vaginally and having to have a C-section. I am, for some reason, terrified at the idea of a C-section. I'm not scared of the pain of a regular birth. I am scared of being cut open and not getting to hold the baby right away. I know...I'm weird. But I really am praying that the natural birth goes well.

Finally, my maternity pictures are scheduled for the beginning of July! :) I've been gathering ideas of what I'd like done, and I think they will be beautiful. The great thing is, my newborn session fee will be $0 since I'm doing my maternity photos with this studio!

That about wraps up this blog post. By the next baby update, I *might* be able to put some of the 4D Ultrasound pics up so ya'll can see them!!!

I don't think you are strange at all for not wanting a C-section! I know you are preparing your body for birth and take care of yourself, so you should not worry about that! And- you are just too cute!

Hey sweet friend. More than anything I didn't want to have a C-Section, either. I had so many concerns about it and it wasn't at ALL how I imagined Eisley's entrance into the world happening.

But alas. There was a different outcome than I planned... and b/c E was breeched, my only option was a C-Section. For the healthy of both Eisley AND I....

All that to say-- it was SO not the thing I had thought it would be, and it went great. I was up and walking around just fine the very next morning, I got to touch and see sweet baby girl right away, and I had her in my arms within sheer minutes. She and I got perfectly bonded to one another, we had no trouble breastfeeding, and from the time I went to the operating room (with Billy at my side), it was less than 5 minutes that she was out and into the world. Happy and healthy, with a perfectly round shaped head. :)

All that to say-- I want to encourage and affirm you in that-- Obviously what's preferred is a natural/vaginal delivery. That's ideal. That's the way it was designed. I wanted it so badly.

But it's not the end of the world. :) And now I'm a total fan of the c-section! I had a great experience.

Praying for a normal delivery for you. But praying also that God will begin to ease your fears about what would happen if for some reason it doesn't turn out quite how you expect.

"girl, i am praying for you!!! i already am having a hard time waiting, and i still have 3 months or so to go :) i know there is a lot to be scared about, and yah, life is going to be totally different, but i think the blessings of God that are to come far outweigh the hard things that may/may not happen! you've got the love of the Lord on your side, and He will give you strength and energy for the baby, for your marriage, and for everything else!!! <3 hang in there...you are loved!"

Thanks so much for the prayers I really appreciate it! Thanks for the encouragement you are right the blessings far outweigh that which may or may not happen, thanks for the reminder! :)

Oh my you have been busy! I haven't been blogging for quite some time. I'm back in school full time and needed a break from studying tonight. What a delightful surprise . . . you're expecting! Well belated congratulations, best wishes and just plain ole happy, happy thoughts to you. Oh and C-Sections (at least both of mine) weren't bad at all. I was up and moving the very next day albeit a little sore, but doing fine. Hope all goes well for you. How exciting.

I'm a stay-at-home Mom living in the south with the love of my life DH (darling husband) and beautiful son who has special needs. After completing my Masters in Christian Education and teaching, I am now a coordinator for a foreign exchange student program, future aspiring author, occasional freelance writer, and dreamer of one day being a long-term missionary. I love reading, cooking, learning how to live healthier, and talking about my faith.